The Rabbit Hole of Other People's Websites
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My mom and I on our girl's get-away to a fancy-pants spa last week. Thanks Mom!
This is what happens when I tell my mom I don't want a Christmas gift this year, and suggest we do something together instead. Why didn't I say this sooner!? LOL!
Quick tip for your Happy Little Practice and Your Message
Whether you're ready to refresh your work, or you're starting out, I'd like you to consider the following.
Sometimes (okay, many times!) clients find themselves going down the rabbit hole of looking at other people's websites.
It sounds right as they say things like:
- I want to see what other people are doing in my field
- I want to get ideas for focusing my message
- I want to know if anyone else is doing this work
- I need to do some research
In theory, there's nothing wrong with a bit of market research.
But in practice, it usually does a number on my client's confidence and clarity.
- It makes them doubt their own ideas
- It makes them think "why bother?" It's already been done.
- It makes them change their mind and dilutes their own knowing
- It sometimes fills them with confusion and self doubt
I know for me, when I've gone down the "what are my colleagues up to rabbit hole", I sometimes end up thinking disempowering thoughts like:
"Why would anyone hire me when clearly they're way more famous, smarter and more financially successful than me???"
Sigh.
So, I pull them back out of the rabbit hole and talk some sense into them.
Which I don't mind one bit, because I've been there too!
Here's what I tell my clients about looking at other people's websites:
Look at the website for style and function and that's it.
1) Style - What look and feel you want to project or NOT project
For example, looking at other people's websites was the clincher in my decision to zig where everyone was zagging and go minimalist in my own website design. (Also, it's more affordable and simple to pull off).
2) Function - What web pages are included and how are they organized and displayed
For example, what are the essential pieces of a website that you know for sure you want to include, and what you can leave out for now or version 2.0 (or 23.0 for me! Ha!).
In fact, when I help my clients take off in a new direction and create a more focused, up to date and unique messaging, I ask them to NOT touch their website until we have completed all of their website copy, updated their service offerings and know who we're serving and what we're doing.
Only then do we tackle the style and function of the website.
This helps my clients hear themselves more clearly, listen to their own needs and wants instead of comparing their ideas to what's already been done and what everyone else is up to.
Besides, I know what's happening in the marketplace, so they don't need to do that work.
I hope this helps you when you're ready to refresh your work and marketing materials.
Go inward first, and then do the external marketing work.
I promise it will be faster, easier and it's way more effective.
Hope this helps!
*** More Resources For You ***
1) Happy Little Practice Mindset Club -- One spot left my friends! Come retrain your mindset, nervous system and business structures in the Happy Little Practice way. Details here.
2) Want to coach privately? Go here.
3) Next free Q&A Class is January 26th. Register here if you haven't already and let's get to know each other.